MONROVIA– Teachers in Liberia have been urged to continuously develop their skills, embrace innovation and adopt modern teaching approaches to better prepare students for a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and emerging opportunities.
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
The call was made during the second annual Teach For Liberia Alumni Event held in Monrovia, where educators, alumni, and education stakeholders discussed ways to strengthen teaching and learning through innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional development.
Madam Stephina Warner, Director of the University of Liberia’s UniPod, urged teachers to see themselves as lifelong learners and to adopt innovative approaches that make learning more effective and relevant to students.
Warner said teachers have a responsibility not only to prepare students for examinations but also to equip them with the knowledge, skills, values and leadership qualities needed to navigate an increasingly technological world.
“As teachers, let’s always see ourselves as learners. Let’s commit to innovation, self-development, personal leadership and choose to be innovative. A profession united by purpose can change the world,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of instilling integrity and responsibility in students as they engage with emerging technologies and new opportunities.
According to Warner, educators must help students identify suitable career paths and prepare them to become responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to Liberia’s development.
Entrepreneurship and Nation-Building
The event also focused on entrepreneurship as a tool for personal empowerment and national development.
The Go-Getters Legacy, a nonprofit organization, delivered a presentation on nation-building and entrepreneurship, encouraging teachers to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and develop innovative initiatives that could create jobs, support communities, and contribute to Liberia’s economic growth.
Representing Go-Getters Legacy, Ambassador Nathaniel Barnes, Henrique Caine, and Mr. John Smythe announced a US$1,500 pilot cash prize to support Teach For Liberia’s entrepreneurship program.
The prize will be awarded to the participant who presents the best business proposal or innovative idea.
“We are proud to partner with Teach For Liberia and support their current entrepreneurship program with a donation of a cash prize. Together, we are equipping the next generation of Liberian leaders,” the organization said.
India-Liberia Education Partnership
The Indian Ambassador accredited to Liberia Shri Manoj Bihari Verma also attended the event and described teachers as important role models in society.
The ambassador emphasized that education goes beyond the transfer of knowledge, saying it represents an investment in the future of the next generation.
The ambassador also reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Liberia and India in the education sector and announced 24 scholarships for Liberian students to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
The scholarships are expected to provide beneficiaries with opportunities to pursue professional careers and contribute to Liberia’s development.
Building Education Leaders
The discussions at the event highlighted the growing need for Liberia’s education sector to equip both teachers and students with the skills necessary to adapt to technological advancement while maintaining strong values of integrity, responsibility, leadership, and citizenship.
Since its establishment in 2019, Teach For Liberia has worked to recruit, train, and support aspiring education leaders committed to improving learning outcomes for Liberian children.
The organization describes its fellowship as a leadership development program designed to address grassroots challenges contributing to weaknesses in Liberia’s education system.
Through its fellowship, Teach For Liberia provides training and professional development to educators who are expected to return to their communities and provide leadership aimed at reducing educational inequity and improving access to quality education.
The organization promotes a gender-balanced and productive educational environment across Liberia. In 2019, Teach For Liberia was recognized by Teach For All as its fifth partner in Africa. The organization subsequently established a strategic partnership with Liberia’s Ministry of Education to align its activities with best practices and expand the reach of its programs nationwide.
To date, Teach for Liberia says its programs have reached more than 40 schools across Montserrado, Margibi, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Bong, and Bomi counties.
The organization has also provided professional development training to 4,384 teachers.
As Liberia continues to confront persistent challenges in its education system, stakeholders at the alumni event stressed that addressing those challenges requires collective and sustained institutional efforts.
The Teach For Liberia Alumni Event therefore provided an opportunity for educators and partners to reflect on their role in shaping the country’s future while renewing their commitment to continuous learning, innovation, leadership, and educational equity.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
